By ISAAC DEER
TopSports.news
All eyes were on the slick performances of Topeka West’s Sincere Austin and Elijah Brooks on Tuesday night at West.
Brooks and Austin accounted for 69 percent of the Chargers' 77 points in a 77-48 Centennial League win against Manhattan. The tandem hit a combined six 3-point shots, went five of seven from the free throw line and converted 15 of West's 21 made field goals.
Elijah Brooks
Sincere Austin
Sensational scoring nights from Brooks are something that Topeka West is quite used to and despite sitting out some of the third and fourth quarters, Brooks was able to put up 28 points on the night.
“Things were good for three quarters,” Brooks said. “We started picking up the pace in the second quarter. From there, we started running the court well. I thought we played pretty good tonight.”
That second quarter, as Brooks mentioned, was what separated Topeka West from Manhattan as the Chargers outscored the Indians, 22-11.
All 22 of those points were provided by Brooks and Austin.
Austin’s 25 points looked effortless. The junior hit a team-high five three-point shots against Manhattan.
“Tonight felt (good),” Austin said. “We are finally pulling together. The coaches are letting me be myself and play my game. I’ve noticed myself and the team passing and shooting the ball more. We are looking better.”
Despite Manhattan’s 4-11, 3-8 record, the Indians have played quality basketball at times this season.
Topeka West coach Rick Bloomquist was worried about what kind of matchup problems the Indians presented coming into Tuesday night’s contest.
“Manhattan is a high-quality basketball team,” said Bloomquist. “I think (Manhattan) showed you how good they are when they beat one of the most athletic teams in the Centennial League (Junction City). Personally, it was a scary game for me. I know how well Manhattan plays, how they’re coached, and how good (Manhattan) is in the 3-2 zone.
“I thought we read and reacted well to Manhattan’s zone defense. I thought we moved the ball well. I thought that we had Manhattan moving a lot faster than they probably wanted to. I think tonight worked to our benefit.”
Topeka West was able to jump out to a 15-point lead going into halftime.
The Class 5A No. 2-ranked Chargers broke the radar gun when they were in transition. In the third quarter, Topeka West pressed the ball down the court as fast as they did in the first two quarters.
Tuesday night’s victory from Topeka West marked its 13th win in a row and protected the Chargers' share of the league lead (in the loss column)..
“We have to stay consistent,” Bloomquist said. “This time of year is a head game. We are fine from the shoulders down. We just have to keep our heads focused on the game.”
The Chargers are back on the hardwood Friday as they will hit the road to take on Centennial League foe Junction City.
TOPEKA WEST BOYS 77, MANHATTAN 48
Topeka West 15 22 18 22 – 77
Manhattan 10 11 14 13 – 48
Topeka West (14-1, 10-1) – Austin 9 2-3 25, Brooks 12 3-4 28, Alexander 3 0-2 8, Berg 3 1-2 7, Putthoff 2 0-0 4, Sowell 1 0-0 3, Robinson 1 0-0 2.
Manhattan (4-11, 3-8) – Delort 1 0-0 2, Brown 1 0-2 3, Coonrod 4 0-0 10, Perkins 3 2-2 9, Wilson 5 1-2 12, Schartz 2 0-0 4, Elumogo 3 0-0 7, Dowling 0 1-2 1.
3-Point Goals – Topeka West 8 (Austin 5, Alexander 2, Brooks), Manhattan 6 (Coonrod 2, Brown, Elumogo, Perkins, Wilson). Total fouls – Topeka West 13, Manhattan 10. Fouled out – none. Technical fouls – none.
